“My sister is tired, and I shall be all alone. May I not come?” she asked Gaunt who looked doubtfully at her.
But she persisted and when consent was finally given, she ran away to get ready.
That night Gaunt surpassed himself, and his words caused a deep impression on the vast crowd that was present. The emotion of the afternoon had not entirely left him, and perhaps it was that which gave him additional eloquence, so that there were many moist eyes when he resumed his seat.
Lady Ethel was amazed at the earnestness of her brother-in-law, and she gave a quick look at Edward Drake.
“Mr. Gaunt has spoken as one inspired,” she said in a low voice. “Are you responsible for his joining in this crusade?”
“No; but I share his desire to help the Congo people. If I had his gift of eloquence, I should be only too glad to speak as he is doing. Don’t you admire him for it?” he asked quietly.
“I am thinking of my sister, while you think only of the Congo,” she answered gravely, and then lapsed into silence.
But when they were home again she returned to the subject.
“Sit down,” she said to Drake, “and answer me one question. Why is Mr. Gaunt doing this? I am sure it is not solely from a philanthropic motive, and I believe that you are at the bottom of it. I cannot deny that it is a good work, and I am filled with pity for the poor natives who are so cruelly treated. But from my knowledge of Mr. Gaunt’s character, he is not the man to concern himself with such a thing. In fact, I used to imagine him to be rather a bad lot in a respectable sort of way. Before he became engaged to my sister, I received many letters from friends, and they were not all filled with complimentary references to the man who was thought likely to become my brother-in-law. It seems to me that he is dreadfully worried about something and that something has to do with the Congo. You must not think that I cannot be serious and I tell you that I am very anxious to help my sister and her husband. Take me into your confidence, Mr. Drake—two heads are better than one,” she said appealingly.
“I would willingly do so, Lady Ethel, but I have no right to speak without Mr. Gaunt’s consent. In a way I am his servant,” he answered regretfully.